SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 18
Alleluia. Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel Alleluia.
NEWS: Yesterday we had a glorious Easter at Shepherd of The Valley. We thank everyone who contributed to our Easter Brunch and served our worship service. We appreciate Pastor Joel’s message and his being our Pastor as well.
Tomorrow evening the Tuesday evening Bible study resumes at the Kolkman’s house. It will run from 6:30 to 8 PM and the topic will be “Christian Caring.” All are invited and their address is 710 Fredericks Ave. in Oceanside.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Charlene Simpson.
COLLECT OF THE DAY: O God, in the paschal feast You restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts upon your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
READINGS: Exodus 15:1-18; Psalm 100; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Luke 24:13-49
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“THE JOY OF GOD”
That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus … Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, “Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth …” (Luke 24:13a, 15b-19a)
I love to see the joy of Jesus, on this, the day of His resurrection. With each new visit He sees the people He loves go from grief to overflowing joy, as they realize they have Him back against all hope. Now, with our salvation finally won, there is time for play—even a bit of teasing.
The two disciples walking to Emmaus come in for the worst of it. They have heard about the resurrection, but they do not believe it—though they can’t stop talking about it! What a great time for Jesus Himself to walk up beside them, unrecognized, and start asking innocent questions. “What are you talking about?”
And Cleopas says the most embarrassing thing ever: “Are you the only one in all Jerusalem who hasn’t heard the news?” To which Jesus says (as if He didn’t know!) “What things?” I can just see Him shaking the sleeve of His robe a little further down, to hide the nail-holes!
Jesus’ joy is one of His best gifts to us, and not something to miss. He died for our sins, yes—and He has risen for our eternal life, joy, and blessedness with Him forever. Thanks be to God!
THE PRAYER: Lord, thank You that You give us not just forgiveness, but love, joy, and life forever. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do you tend to think more about your sins or about God’s goodness and mercy?
* Why?
* How does Jesus’ joy make a difference in your life?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Judges 11-12 Luke 14:25-35
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select “Save Link As” or “Save Target As” or “Download Linked File As”
Luther’s Morning Prayer
In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ your dear son, that you have protected me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you completely. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
After singing a hymn or whatever else may serve your devotion, you can go about your day joyfully!
Luther’s Evening Prayer
In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today, and I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
You can now go to bed quickly and cheerfully.
OTHER RESOURCES:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Lutheran Public Radio is listener supported and has two channels, one for sacred music and the other for talk, including news, current issues, politics and spiritual matters from a Lutheran perspective. Hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken, Issues, Etc. airs live Monday thru Friday from 1 to 3 pm Pacific, with the “Best Of” running at other hours: https://lutheranpublicradio.org/
KFUO is the listener supported radio station owned and operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Based in St. Louis, their format consists of teaching, preaching, ministry and sacred music: https://www.kfuo.org/
A very blessed Easter Monday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
